Generations
on Line -- the nonprofit program for Internet literacy and Access
for the elderly, estimates some 21 million people over 65 do not
and will not ever use the Internet, unless we intervene.

Nearly half
of older Americans (47%) over the age of 65 cannot use the Internet.
Source: Pew Internet & American Life Project 2012

(This contrasts with 15% of people over age 65 online in 2000;
22% in 2004)

For the
elderly, Internet use may be an effective, low cost way to expand
social interactions, reduce loneliness, get health information
and treatment, and, consequently, reduce depression Source: Internet Use and Depression Among the Elderly - The
Phoenix Center October 2009

Younger
internet users are considerably more likely to conduct video
calls. Some 29% of the internet users ages 18-29 have participated
in video calls or chats or teleconferences, compared with 15%
of internet users age 65 or older. Source: Pew Internet & American Life October 2010

Although
the youngest generations are still significantly more likely
to use social network sites, the fastest growth has come from
internet users 74 and older: social network site usage for this
oldest cohort has quadrupled since 2008, from 4% to 16%. Source: Generations Online - Pew Internet and American Life,
December 2010

Why seniors don't go online (Generations on Line September 2010):

Fear of
the computer can masquerade as disinterest. "I'll never
be able to do this because it's too complicated" comes
out as "I don't want it; I don't need it."

The biggest
fear comes from their respect for tools - fear of breaking the
computer, based on older technology "you can't unburn the
toast" but you can reboot a computer. Source: Generations on Line Ten Years - Ten Lessons, September
2010

Spending time
online reduces depression by 20 percent for senior citizens. In
addition to the quality of life benefits, reducing the incidence
of depression by widespread Internet use among older Americans
could trim the nation's health care bill. Source: Internet Use and Depression Among the Elderly - The
Phoenix Center, October 2009